Superintendents know that our schools are safe.
You work diligently to keep it that way.
Statistically, schools are the safest place for young people. However, despite the decreases in many types of crime, acts of targeted school violence and school emergencies remain a concern for everyone in the school community.
Some believe that Montana schools are immune from the emergencies that plague other parts of the country; unfortunately that is not the case.
Within the past decade, Montana's administrators have dealt with school shootings, fatal bus accidents, deaths of students and staff, attempted abductions, serious bullying, chemical spills, infectious disease outbreaks and arson - all events that impacted the lives of the entire school community. These events occured from pre-K through high school.
Currently we are compiling interviews and research from dozens of emegencies which occured in the past three years in Monana schools. Summary information will be posted here.
Many school emergencies can be prevented; but all can be mitigated - lessening their impact on schools and the people within those schools. Careful assessment of risks and creating appropriate policies and training can go a long ways toward changing an emergency situation into a manageable event with minimal long-lasting impact.
One of the first things a superintendent should do is create or update the membership and responsiblities of thier district Emergency Management Team.
Here are some of the ways the Montana Safe Schools Center can help you
make your district a safer and healthier.
You may also want to view our downloadable Resources page.
- Improving Student achievement
- Positive Behavioral Supports
- Assets
- School safety assessment
- SSARB (Safe Schools Assessment and Resource Bank)
- Threat assessment
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental design (CPTED)
- Emergency Management
- Multi-Hazard assessment
- Planning/policy development
- Coordination with other agencies
- Exercise planning and execution
- Student Safety
- Bully prevention
- Internet Safety
- Peer Mediation training
- Conflict resolution
- Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS)
- Suicide prevention
- Staff Professional Development
- Playground/School Ground Safety
- School Bus Safety
- 5) SRO
- Selection
- Policy development
- Training/supervision
- Grant writing/ Partner development
Please see specific topic areas on the left of this page for more detailed information.
What do MSSC trainings and consultations cost?
Though housed at The University of Montana, MSSC is entirely funded through grants and consultation fees. Our parent organization (DERS) as been this way since 1957. Our fees are negotiable based on the needs and resources of the school - as well as appropriate travel costs. In many cases, we are able to partner with schools through existing grants (often with cost-sharing) or in future grant seeking.
No Montana school has been denided requested MSSC service due to funding limitations. Let's discuss how we may assist you and your school community.
Contact: Matt Taylor, Associate Director or John Frederikson, MSSC Coordinator or call 406-243-5344.